A new look Valliano to contest the Inglis Premier

A new look Valliano is set to produce his best form when he steps out as a gelding for first time in the $250,000 Inglis Premier (1200m) at Caulfield on Saturday.

Valliano, above in the red and white colours, returns to the race track in the Inglis Premier at Caulfield as a gelding. Photo by Ultimate Racing Photos.

Valliano has had three race starts as an early two year old during the Melbourne Spring Carnival for two placings and a fifth and co-trainer Tom Dabernig said that he is unlucky to still be a maiden.

At his first race start Valliano was beaten just over a length when third in the Listed $120,000 Inglis Debutant Stakes (1000m) at Caulfield on October 10 and then was beaten a nose when second in the $250,000 Inglis Banner (1000m) at Moonee Valley two weeks later.

Then at his next start Valliano raced on the pace before finishing fifth in the Group 3 $150,000 Maribyrnong Plate (1000m) at Flemington November 7.

“He was very unlucky at Caulfield on debut and even at the Valley he came off the fence and the winner got up on his inside,” Lindsay Park co-trainer Tom Dabernig said.

But Dabernig also said that the Equino youngster wasn’t spelling well as a colt, hence the decision to have him gelded.

“He wasn’t spelling well as a colt. He’s a gelding now,” Dabernig said.”

Dabernig has talked up Valliano’s return to the race track and expects him to run a bold first up race if he runs up to recent track work.

“I really like this horse,” Dabernig said.

“He is probably a little bit sniff not to have won a race. He has had the benefit of having three starts.”

“I think he will be right in the race.”

“He has come back this preparation as a gelding and I thought that his work has been really good leading into this. He’s won his couple of jump outs heading into the race.”

“It would be a great race to win. It is worth good money, the Inglis race, and he should get a nice run in the race from that gate.”

“I think he is in good form and I reckon he has improved a little bit and even though it is 1200m first-up he is a good each way chance.”

“He has a great temperament and is a real professional.”

Damian Lane takes the ride on Valliano and he should get a good run from barrier four in the thirteen horse field.

Valliano is well in the market for the Inglis Premier and shares the fourth line of betting at $7 with Inglis Banner Dalradian at Ladbrokes.com.au.

Author: Mark Mazzaglia

Mark is a passionate journalist with a life-time involvement in the racing industry. He spent many years as an analyst and form expert at the Courier Mail and also has hands-on experience working with some of Queensland’s top trainers.